4 Things to Know before Buying Lion's Mane Products
At Happy Mushroom Co, we believe in harnessing the power of nature to enhance performance, promote wellness, and support sustainability. One of our star products is derived from the remarkable lion's mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus). Before you invest in lion's mane supplements, here are four crucial things you should know to make an informed decision.
1. The Science Behind Lion's Mane's Cognitive Benefits
Lion's mane has gained popularity for its potential cognitive-enhancing properties. Research suggests that this fungus may support brain health and cognitive function in several ways:
- Stimulating Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) production: NGF is crucial for the growth, maintenance, and survival of neurons. A study published in the International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms found that lion's mane extract promoted NGF synthesis, potentially supporting cognitive function [1].
- Reducing mild cognitive impairment: A double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in Phytotherapy Research showed that older adults with mild cognitive impairment experienced significant improvements in cognitive function after consuming lion's mane for 16 weeks [2].
Understanding these potential benefits can help you align your wellness goals with the properties of lion's mane supplements.
2. How to Identify a Quality Product
When choosing a lion's mane product, several factors contribute to its quality:
1. Extraction Methods:
- Hot water extraction: Effective for water-soluble compounds like beta-glucans.
- Alcohol extraction: Better for compounds like triterpenes.
- Dual extraction: Combines both methods for a full spectrum of beneficial compounds.
At Happy Mushroom Co, we use dual extraction to ensure maximum potency and bioavailability.
2. Sourcing:
- Look for transparent sourcing information.
- Wild-harvested products should come from areas that are free of major environmental contamination.
- Look for companies that are cultivating their own mushrooms or buying cultivated mushrooms from an area that has strict agricultural regulations, like the USA.
3. Fruit Body vs. Mycelium:
- Fruit body: The visible, above-ground part of the mushroom, often considered more potent.
- Mycelium: The root-like structure, typically grown on grain.
- Research suggests that fruit body extracts may contain higher concentrations of beneficial compounds [3].
Our products use carefully cultivated fruit bodies for optimal potency.
4. Third-party Testing:
- Look for products that have been tested by independent laboratories for purity and potency.
By considering these factors, you can ensure you're getting a high-quality lion's mane product that aligns with your wellness goals.
3. Sustainability and Sourcing
As conscious consumers, it's essential to consider the environmental impact of the products we choose. When selecting lion's mane supplements, look for companies that prioritize sustainable practices:
- Cultivation methods: Lion's mane can be grown on various substrates, including sawdust and agricultural by-products. Sustainable practices involve using renewable resources and minimizing waste.
- Wild harvesting: If wild-harvested, ensure the company follows responsible foraging practices to protect natural ecosystems, and the mushrooms are found as locally as possible to reduce the environmental impact of shipping.
- Certifications: Look for third-party verifications that ensure environmentally friendly practices. At Happy Mushroom Co., we partner with 1% for the Planet, and donate 1% of all sales to environmental initiatives across the world.
- Packaging: As packaging is a huge source of both energetic input and post consumption waste, look for companies that are using sustainable packaging solutions to package and ship their products.
Happy Mushroom Co. is committed to sustainability, using eco-friendly cultivation methods and responsibly sourced ingredients to minimize our environmental footprint while delivering high-quality products.
4. The History of Lion's Mane Use in Indigenous Cultures
Lion's mane mushroom has a rich history of use in various indigenous cultures, particularly in East Asia:
- Traditional Chinese Medicine: Lion's mane, known as "hericium" or "hou tou gu" in Chinese, has been used for centuries to support overall health and vitality. It was believed to nourish the five internal organs (liver, lung, spleen, heart, and kidney) and was often prescribed for stomach ailments [4].
- Japanese Culture: In Japan, where it's called "yamabushitake," lion's mane has been used by Buddhist monks to enhance focus during meditation. It was also prized by the samurai class, who consumed it as a tea before battle to increase alertness and courage [5].
- Native American Use: While less documented, there is evidence that some Native American tribes used lion's mane mushroom for its medicinal properties, particularly for wound healing and as a general tonic [6].
- Tibetan Medicine: In traditional Tibetan medicine, lion's mane was used to support digestive health and was believed to enhance cognitive function in the elderly [7].
This long history of use in various cultures underscores the potential benefits of lion's mane and its importance in traditional systems of medicine. At Happy Mushroom Co, we honor these traditional uses while incorporating modern scientific understanding to create products that support both performance and wellness.
In conclusion, by understanding the science, quality indicators, sustainability practices, and rich cultural history of lion's mane, you can make an informed decision when purchasing products. Choose wisely, and let the power of lion's mane support your path to enhanced cognitive performance and overall wellness!
References:
[1] Mori, K., et al. (2009). Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 32(9), 1727-1732.
[2] Mori, K., et al. (2009). Phytotherapy Research, 23(3), 367-372.
[3] Friedman, M. (2015). Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 63(32), 7108-7123.
[4] Hobbs, C. (1995). Medicinal Mushrooms: An Exploration of Tradition, Healing, & Culture. Botanica Press.
[5] Powell, M. (2014). Medicinal Mushrooms - A Clinical Guide. Mycology Press.
[6] Stamets, P. (2005). Mycelium Running: How Mushrooms Can Help Save the World. Ten Speed Press.
[7] Winkler, D. (2008). Yartsa Gunbu (Cordyceps sinensis) and the Fungal Commodification of Tibet's Rural Economy. Economic Botany, 62(3), 291-305.
